ANN G. DUFFY

Graduate and Valedictorian of Ellsworth Memorial High School Class of 1944. She played Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball (4 years) and was a Cheerleader (3 years). Graduated from University of Connecticut where she played Field Hockey (4 years). Employed at United Technologies Corporation Research Department full time and part time (3 years). She worked with top research engineers on projects related in the development of the B-52 Plane that dropped the first hydrogen bomb. Served as a Math and Science teacher at Ellsworth Memorial High School and South Windsor High School (35 years) and Chaired the Math Department (20 years). Introduced computers in classrooms, implemented major changes in the South Windsor High School curriculum and authored Math textbooks. Received Capitol Area Distinguished Teacher Award and “Master Teacher” status at South Windsor High School in 1984. Visiting lecturer at the Computer Programming Institute for Teachers at Trinity College, Associate Director of Mathematics for the Project to Increase Mastery of Mathematics and Science, Instructor in the Educational Studies Graduate Program and Teacher Associate in the Mathematics Department at Wesleyan University. Past member of various Connecticut Department of Education Committees.

HUGH S. GREER

Physical Education Teacher, Coach and Athletic Director at Ellsworth Memorial High School where he won five state championships and the South Windsor High School Gym is dedicated to him. In 1946, he became the Head Coach of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team and held that position until 1963. His teams won the Yankee Conference Championship 12 of 13 years during the period of 1947 to 1960 including ten consecutive titles. His teams earned seven NCAA Tournament berths and one NIT bid. His overall record at UConn was 286-112 (a winning percentage of 71.9%). The UConn Field House which served as the on-campus home court of Connecticut Basketball was renamed “The Hugh S. Greer Field House”. He is considered “The Father of Connecticut Basketball”. He was one of three head coaches of the UConn basketball program (with Dee Rowe and Jim Calhoun) to be inducted in 2007 as part of the inaugural class of the Connecticut Basketball “Huskies of Honor”.

ROBERT LABRECHE

Physical Education Teacher and Coach at South Windsor High School. Started programs and served as Head Coach for the Track Team (35 years), Indoor Track Team (11 years) and Cross Country Team (32 years). Assistant Boys Basketball Coach (24 years). Teams won numerous leagues titles and State Championships in Track (1972), Indoor Track (1992) and Cross Country (1995). Connecticut High School Coaches Association Track Coach of the Year (1972-1973) and Cross Country Coach of the Year (1985). National High School Athletic Coaches Association Track Coach of the Year- Region 1 (1997) and Cross Country Coach of the Year-Region 1 (1994). Recipient of the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance John Wentworth Good Sport Award for “Unselfish Dedication to Community Sports”. Inducted into the Connecticut Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1992). Manchester Journal Inquirer First Annual Appreciation Award for Service to Track and Field. CHSCA Cross Country Committee Chairman (twice).

CLIFF LANGE

1975 South Windsor High School Graduate and National Honor Society Member who was Captain of the Math Team (4 years) and won National and State recognition awards. He kept scorebooks for basketball and track teams and was Stage Manager for two school productions. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1979 and commenced a career in the Actuarial Field. He has held various executive roles at GE Financial Assurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Price Waterhouse and CT Mutual Life Insurance Company. Cliff attained the Fellowship in the Society of Actuaries at age 25. Cliff has five professional designations including 2012 LIMRA Leadership Institute Fellow, a designation jointly awarded by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and LIMRA an insurance education and leadership organization. He is presently Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Chief Actuary/Chief Risk Officer at Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company.

BILLY MORRISSETTE

1980 South Windsor High School Graduate who was a Student Council President, Class Clown and member of various school clubs including the Drama Club. His acting career started in 9th grade where he performed in school productions and continued his involvement throughout his high school years. After high school, Billy attended Hofstra University where he was the lead in two plays. In 1984, he moved to New York City to pursue an acting career and eventually found his way to Los Angeles, California. He has performed on TV shows, numerous commercials and some films. His acting film credits include PUMP UP THE VOLUME (1989), Vegas Vacation (1997), Catch Me If You Can (1989), The Wasting Game (1997), Ghoulies 3 (1992) and Severed Ties (1992). TV credits include HBO series GIRLS (2013), Family Ties, Mad About You and Danger Theatre. One of his commercials “Got Milk” ran for 10 years. In 1999, He wrote and directed a film “Scotland PA” which starred Christopher Walken and was presented at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2001.

SAL RANDAZZO

1963 South Windsor High School Graduate who amassed over 1000 points in Basketball and also starred in Baseball. Four year Honor Roll Student and 3 year Class President. Former Sports Editor of “The SouthWinds” school newspaper. Graduate of Albright College where he played basketball four years. At South Windsor High School, he was a Social Studies/History Teacher (16 years) including Department Chair (12 years), Assistant Principal (10 years) and Principal (5 years). He was selected as Connecticut Assistant Principal of the Year (1994-1995) and South Windsor High School Teacher of the Year (1981). Coached Freshmen Boys Basketball (4 years) and Girls JV Basketball (4 years). Served as Principal of Cheshire High School (5 years). Education Consultant for the Connecticut Association of Schools and EASTCONN (4 years) and presently serves as a Leader-in-Residence at the CT Department of Education, Bureau of School Improvement.

RON RIORDAN

1966 South Windsor High School Graduate who achieved All Conference in Basketball (2 years), Baseball and Soccer. He received “All State” recognition in Basketball his senior year and led the team to the Class M Finals. Attended Becker Junior College and in 1968 he was a Junior College All American, scored 65 points in a game and averaged 47.6 points a game (still Junior College Record). Won the Bob Cousy Award for “Best Junior College Player Under 6 Feet”. Attended the University of New Haven where he was an All American (2 years), averaged 28 points in 1969, 35 points per game in 1970 and led the team to the Division 2 National Finals.

TOM ROY

1971 South Windsor High School Graduate who left South Windsor High School with the Boys Basketball New England Scoring Record (2,501 points) and single game scoring record in a State Tournament Game (60 points) in 1971. Member of two consecutive Boys Basketball State Championship Teams (Class M, 1969-1970, Class L, 1970-1971). He was a 3 time All-State selection and All-America his senior year. His High School uniform was retired in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. and at South Windsor High School (the only player to have his uniform retired). Member of the Men’s Basketball Team at the University of Maryland (1971-1975) where he received ACC Academic Recognition (2 years). Drafted in the 3rd Round of the NBA Draft in 1975. Played professional basketball in France and Italy. Employed in Telecommunications Sales and Management positions since 1977.

KATHY RUSCH

South Windsor High School Physical Education Teacher and Coach for 30 years. Girls Varsity Basketball Coach (15 years) compiling a 234-119 record, winner of Central Valley Conference titles and reaching two State finals. Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach (2 years) and Girls Varsity Softball Coach (6 years). Won State Class L Softball Title in 1978. District 1 Coach of the Year (1978). Received citation from CT General Assembly for achievements (1989), inducted into the CT Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (as High School Girls Coach) in 1993. Inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame (High School Girls Coach) in 2009.

CHARLES SHAROS

South Windsor High School Physical Education Teacher, Coach and Athletic Director for 35 years. Coached Varsity Basketball (30 years), Soccer (32 years) and Baseball (10 years). Coached two State Championship Boys Basketball Teams Class M (1969-1970) and Class L (1970-1971), the first team in the state to win in two different divisions in consecutive years. He also coached a Class L State Champion Soccer Team in 1979. Recognition from various organizations includes National High School Athletic Coaches Association: National Coach of the Year (Soccer), Coach of the Year Soccer and Basketball District 1, National Athletic Director of the Year, National Hall of Fame. Connecticut High School Coaches Association: Hall of Fame, Athletic Director of the Year, Coach of the Year Soccer and Basketball. Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance: Coach of the Year (All Sports) and Gold Key. Connecticut Soccer Coaches: Distinguished Service Award, Contributors Award, Merit Award. Town of South Windsor: 4 Individual and 3 Team Proclamations. Dapper Dan Classic: Coach of U.S. All-Stars. Connecticut Basketball Officials: Commissioner’s Award, Sportsmanship Award, Service Award, Appreciation Award. Former President of Connecticut High School Coaches Association, North Central Connecticut Conference and Central Valley Conference. Exchange Club of South Windsor: Paul Harris Fellow Service Award (first non-Rotarian to receive award)

STEPHEN P. STOKLOSA

South Windsor High School Teacher of Language Arts 34 years and Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track Coach 31 years. Teams won State Championships in 1984 and 1995. State Champion “Runners Up” four times. 2017 Career Wins with a winning percentage of 86%. Received South Windsor Board of Education “Recognition of Excellence” (6 years). Connecticut High School Coaches Association “Coach of the Year” (2 years) and National High School Coaches Association “Coach of the Year” National Finalist (3 years). Connecticut High School Coaches Association Cross Country Chair (7 years) and CIAC Track and Field Meet Director (4 years)

KATIE WOODS

1997 South Windsor High School Graduate who played Soccer and Basketball (4 years), Softball and Lacrosse (2 years) and received All Conference honors. Graduated from Drew University in 2001 where she was a Dean’s List student and played Soccer and Lacrosse. Received All Conference and All Region Recognition in both sports and was an All American in Lacrosse. Inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame in 2012. Employed as a Graduate Assistant for Soccer and Lacrosse at Ithaca College where she received a Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology. Assistant Lacrosse Coach at Davidson College, Cornell University and Brown University. Head Lacrosse Coach at American University where her team was the Patriot League Regular Season Champions and she was named “Coach of the Year” (2008). Presently, Head Lacrosse Coach at UConn.

CRAIG ZIMMERMAN

1977 South Windsor High School Graduate and former Sports Editor for “The SouthWinds” school Newspaper. Has coached and held various leadership positions for South Windsor Baseball and Basketball programs for 36 years. Former South Windsor High School Boys Freshman Baseball Coach (4 years), South Windsor Little League Coach (17 years) and President (2 years), American Legion Baseball State Director (7 years), Program General Manager (14 years) and Coach (19 years). South Windsor Travel Basketball Program Coordinator (18 years) and Coach (29 years). Served as a member of the South Windsor Board of Education (1 year), Chairman of the South Windsor Park and Recreation Commission (4 years) and member (10 years). Instrumental in raising funds and coordinating installation of lights at Rotary Field, and the construction of a new Hitting Facility and Press Box. Employed at the State of CT Department of Social Services since 1984.

1970-1971 BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM

The 1970-1971 Boys State Champion Class L Basketball Team beat the best basketball programs in the State of Connecticut compiling a perfect record of 24-0 (one of two undefeated teams in the state). Their opponents included Wilbur Cross High School a perennial power in the late 60’s and early 70’s and the tough Parochial schools including South Catholic, Northwest Catholic, Kolbe Catholic (3 times and Class M Champion 1970-1971) and East Catholic in the State Championship game. The team was the first in Connecticut to win a championship in one division and move up to win a higher division title the next year. The team was only the second non parochial school to ever win the Class L tournament. The previous season 1969-1970, the Boys team won the Class M State championship with most of the same team members. The team compiled a two year record of 46-2. The 1970-1971 team is considered by many to be the “best suburban basketball team” ever in Connecticut.